7+ Great Reasons To Visit Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park is one of the closest state parks to the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. There is an abundance of fun things to do with kids, especially during the summer. Yet, I think it gets overlooked for flashier parks nearby. That’s fine, though, since it means the park tends to be less busy!
UPDATED: This post was first written in 2017 and updated in June 2026 to include park updates and pricing.
Here’s are seven reasons why you should plan a visit the park. Bringing kids along? Don’t miss this guide to taking kids to Platte River State Park.
Horseback trail rides at Platte River
Your family can ride horses at Platte River State Park. The cutoff age is one year younger than Mahoney’s (age 6). They do a great job matching your ability to the right horse. The route takes you past a creek, over a bridge and through some inclines in the forest. In all, you’re on your horse for about an hour.
Costs: $30 per person, no double riders
Platte River State Park hiking trails
I’m guilty of thinking of another state park near Platte River for day trips first (ahem, Mahoney), but when I want to immerse myself and kids in nature, few places nearby can top Platte River State Park. The trails at Mahoney have nothing on Platte River. First off, there’s a waterfall that’s incredibly quick and easy to get to at Platte River State Park. If you’re not about to hike, you can at least take the short walk to the teepee located near the lookout tower.
For those looking for more of a challenge, Platte River State Park’s terrain will satisfy you. It’s still the Midwest, so you know, it’s not mountainous, but it’ll do.
Spray & Splash Park
One of the park’s newest addition is the Spray & Splash Park, an inexpensive way to cool off in the summer. The park has three small waterslides to get from one level to the other, as well as several sprayers and buckets that dump water on kids. You can easily spend two hours at the splash pad, especially if you pack snacks or lunch.
It’s open daily (seasonally) from noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $5 for children and adults, with kids ages 2 and younger being admitted for FREE.
Epic playground
Of all the state parks we’ve been to in Nebraska, Platte River State Park wins for best playground. It’s a multi-level playground with a lot of climbing, kid-size ziplines, and the coolest looking slide structure. It’s got a tree house vibe to it.
Naturalist programs for kids
Summer programming at Platte River State Park is a great way to enhance any visit. Some teach fishing; others might instruct them on creek ecology. There’s a small nature center with aquariums of native Nebraska species. One naturalist program let kids get up close to some of them to learn more about their characteristics. The best thing is, they provide all equipment, along with the instruction.
Movie screenings at the park
Saturday nights through the summer, you can go to the park’s little amphitheater to watch a family-friendly movie for free. We brought snacks and drinks, and since it was early summer still, a blanket. There is bench seating, so you don’t necessarily have to bring a chair.
Things to do at the Platte River State Park lake
The lake at Platte River State Park is a lovely one surrounded by tall trees. There’s a marina where you can get a variety of food and cold treats, as well as rent a paddle boat for a half-hour.
Cost: $15 per half-hour to paddle boat.
Tip: You can also rent fishing gear at the marina. It’s a catch-and-release lake. You can check out fishing poles for your kids for free (bait is extra).
Near the lake you’ll find Crawdad Creek. It has three ponds with little waterfalls flowing from one to the next. There’s a naturalist program at the creek, during which a guide helps kids look for tadpoles and other critters and bugs. Naturalist programs are free!
Cheaper cabins at Platte River
Having stayed about both Mahoney and Platte River state parks, I can affirm Platte River has cheaper options, including teepees, if you’re so inclined. The options are cheaper because Platte River State Park has things like camper cabins, which has some amenities of a typical cabin (A/C, refrigerator, beds) but not all of them (no water or bathroom).
Honestly? Having spent a few nights in a camper cabin, I’m cool with spending a few more bucks to have a bathroom next time.
There are two categories of cabins at Platte River State Park, the Camper Cabins and Modern Cabins. Camper Cabins share a central shower and bathroom facility. Modern Cabins have bathrooms. Like all parks in the Nebraska State Parks system, you can reserve up to a year in advance.
If you’re not visiting with kids, try to snag one of the glamping cabins. They only sleeps two people, but they’re so nice!
Tip: You can save 30% off cabins when you stay in the off-season. Read this post on what to do at Platte River State Park in the winter.
Fun places near Platte River State Park
The great thing about Platte River State Park is that it’s near places like Mahoney State Park, so you can stay (cheaply) at Platte River, and then take the 10-minute drive to the other park to enjoy what’s there as well.
I’d recommend heading to Mahoney to the aquatic center, which has a wave pool, water slides and a kids area. If it’s a rainy day, nothing beats letting the kids run wild in the indoor Activity Center at Mahoney, too.
Other nearby state parks include Louisville State Recreation Area, which has an inflatable water obstacle course. It’s great for kids who can swim. Schramm Park is also nearby and recently opened a great Education Center, treehouse classroom, fossil dig site, and a new creek to wade through.
In the same area as Mahoney State Park, you’ll find the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum and the Wildlife Safari.
If you go
Platte River State Park
Where: 14421 346th St., Louisville, Neb.
Cost: Nebraska Park permit is required to enter. For residents of Nebraska, it’s $35 annually or $7 daily. For non-residents, it’s $70 annually or $14 daily.
